A. Lukashenko is confident that Belarusian cinema will be revived

According to Alexander Lukashenko, over two decades, the cinema of sovereign Belarus has failed to produce a highly artistic film worthy of being called a national project. "Films of Belarusian production are on the periphery of audience interest. Audiences have to be 'organized' to attend them. Ticket sales revenue does not even cover the costs of acquiring and advertising films," he stated. The President reported that during meetings at the film studio and on the set of the film "Anastasia Slutskaya," young directors complained that they were "not allowed to break through." The state has done everything necessary to ensure this problem is resolved. Today, the Belarusian leader addressed the younger generation: "After some time, I have every reason to ask the question: where are the results?" "How many of our young actors and directors have become stars of Russian cinema and TV series, finding themselves uncalled for here in their homeland! Is there really an oversupply of talent in Belarus that we can so thoughtlessly discard them?" the head of state raised another issue. He separately addressed the issues of reconstructing the National Film Studio "Belarusfilm" – work on the facilities of this investment project has been stalled for two years. "There were many promises, I was persuaded to grant colossal benefits to the investor, and the studio continues to decay and turn into ruins. And today, instead of correcting their own mistakes and miscalculations and finding a new investor, it is proposed to burden the state with the construction," the President expressed his indignation. The meeting also touched upon the activities of the Department of Screen Arts, which was opened this year at the Belarusian State Academy of Arts. "How is the work of the 'Belarusian VGIK' organized? I greatly fear that the whole thing will be reduced to an attractive signboard," Alexander Lukashenko warned. "I expect answers to these and other questions from the Minister of Culture and the General Director of the film studio 'Belarusfilm'," he said. Alexander Lukashenko recalled that discussions about cinema awaiting and demanding change have been ongoing for a long time. "It was my initiative to invite not only officials or successful, established masters to the discussion today, but also those whose creative path has been thorny, or who are still searching for a way out, as well as the young generation of filmmakers – today's students," emphasized the head of state.The President also said that he had been "offered a whole range of official reports and speeches," but he wanted to hear first from those who make films and experience all the problems of cinematography firsthand – screenwriters, directors, producers, critics, and distributors. The Head of State invited them to speak absolutely objectively and impartially about all pressing issues, from the birth of a script idea to the sale of a finished film. He also defined a completely free format for the discussion – without a list of speakers or a set agenda. "And if you truly love cinema, you will speak boldly, exposing the pain points and offering your recipes for their treatment. Let us have a sharp discussion here, a real brainstorming session to find ways and means for the development of cinematography. And in dispute, truth will undoubtedly be born," said Alexander Lukashenko. From the meeting participants, he demanded an objective and impartial critical analysis of Belarusian cinema, and answers to the question of what hinders its successful development in line with global trends. At the same time, the Head of State noted: "First and foremost, I want to hear about the problems, but not from the perspective of criticism, that everything is bad, that everything needs to be broken down, and then we'll see if we can swim – but from the perspective of what needs to be done today and tomorrow, so that when we gather at this level, we talk about our national projects, our successes, so that, in the end, we are not ashamed to look each other in the eye." Alexander Lukashenko also added that the state will continue to provide financial support to Belarusian cinema, but only for the creation of new profitable projects. "We will undoubtedly help this most important of all arts, funding will increase, but money will be directed only towards new and profitable ideas," said the President. According to him, the state can also be a customer for some films, but not exclusively a customer, and not as it has been until now, but necessarily on a competitive basis. "It doesn't matter to me whether it will be our television channels as customers, private companies, or our famous company, which today, forgive me, is floundering in the arts like a lame mare," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. Priority will be given to those who offer a good script and, ultimately, create a good film.As stated by Lyudmila Saenkova, Head of the Department of Literary and Artistic Criticism at the Belarusian State University Institute of Journalism, "films are indeed being made in Belarus, but the quality of this product can be judged by the low audience interest in it." In her speech, she also touched upon the issue of the accuracy of details in cinema. Inaccuracies in details destroy the viewer's belief in the authenticity of what is happening. Lyudmila Saenkova also noted the abundance of clichés that migrate from film to film. In her opinion, "Belarus has its own heroes and events that could serve as a unifying idea, and the reflection of national themes would tell viewers in other countries a great deal." If the country had a production institute, many problems in the industry could be resolved, believes the Head of Department. Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Culture Pavel Latushko submitted a number of proposals for consideration by the President and the attendees, which could contribute to the more effective operation of the film industry. In particular, he proposed to stimulate the involvement of private investors in this area at the state level and to introduce tax incentives. Pavel Latushko proposed the creation of a state film production center and the establishment of a film support fund. It is necessary to establish a quota for the screening of domestic film products on our television channels, as is successfully practiced in many countries around the world. The Minister of Culture believes that proper conditions must be created for the return to Belarus of talented youth studying at Russian and foreign film universities. Pavel Latushko also emphasized the need to improve the material base of film and video distribution organizations. Vladimir Zametalin, General Director of the National Film Studio "Belarusfilm," supported the minister's initiative to create a production center. He spoke about the development of the film studio's material and technical base, which, in terms of equipment, meets the highest requirements for creating good cinema. The General Director believes that "Belarusfilm" needs to "move from a production-based to a professional and creative planning principle." According to him, the requirement to meet economic indicators (for example, energy saving) often hinders the creative process.In the discussion, Gennady Ovsyannikov, People's Artist of the USSR and leading stage master of the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre, also took part. He believes that to change the situation in the film industry, "it is necessary, first of all, to work." The foundation of good cinema is the script and the director. Cinema should feature vivid images and characters that will touch the hearts of the audience. Alexey Dudarev, Chairman of the Belarusian Union of Theatre Workers and artistic director of the Drama Theatre of the Belarusian Army, also expressed his point of view. "Until we truly feel the pain, the audience will not respond. They can only be won over through our own love. If there is compassion and a deep human approach, then there will be national cinema," he is convinced. According to Alexey Dudarev, "we need to make our own cinema, not chase Hollywood." "We should not close ourselves off from modernity and new cinematic language," he believes. "Art should not be primitive, but it should be understandable." All participants in the discussion stated that they want to work here, in Belarus, and make domestic cinema. In this regard, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that all the necessary conditions for this exist in Belarus. "Everything depends on you," he said, addressing the cultural figures. "As for me, I can support your creative projects, even without delving deeply into the essence, but at least within two years there should be a return. You can ask foreign wealthy companies operating in the Belarusian market for funds to create cinematic works, but on the condition of responsibility, i.e., a corresponding result. If you continue to complain in the old way, nothing will come of it. You need to switch to market relations at least halfway." Representatives of some Russian production companies also attended the meeting, who presented their ideas for the development of Belarusian-Russian cooperation in cinema. They supported the idea of creating a powerful production center in our country. Alexander Frantskevich-Laye, head of the production company "Belpatriot," called for the filming of domestic series about the lives of Belarusians. In his opinion, this is a sought-after film product today. Alexander Lukashenko noted that if a worthy product is created, we will be able to sell it. But the issue is not the market, but what kind of product will be created.The President of Belarus has demanded the prompt introduction of a market-based approach to film production, which involves allocating state funds on a competitive basis. "After today's discussion – only on a competitive basis," he stated. At the same time, the Head of State noted that not only state-owned but also private film companies and Belarusian television channels should have the opportunity to receive subsidies. Let there be an atmosphere of healthy creative competition among them. "This will be the very producer-driven approach we have talked about so much," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. The President has instructed the government to expedite the preparation of a package of legal acts that facilitate the implementation of this new economic mechanism. This should be done before the end of the current year. Summing up the discussion, Alexander Lukashenko stressed that when forming the state order for film creation, funds will be allocated to those projects in which the state is interested both in terms of their content and economically. "Films will be made with state support. But this does not mean that other films will not be created. On the contrary, they can and should be, but on a commercial basis, through attracted financing. Moreover, all conditions must be created for modern and high-quality film production, and money must be earned from it," believes the Belarusian leader. When forming the state order, it is necessary to mandatorily consider the interests of viewers, focus on the mass audience, and not on someone's specific tastes. The Head of State believes it is time to move away from any methods of administrative coercion and pressure on distributors and television channels: "Just make interesting films, and then a queue of those wishing to buy and watch them will form." Touching upon the topic of creating national films, Alexander Lukashenko noted: "I have been repeatedly offered to support projects claiming this status before. But none have lived up to it. A national film is a good, worthy film that reflects the soul of the people. This concept cannot be devalued. A film with a plot from national history, where actors speak Belarusian, is not yet a national film." In the President's opinion, "only a film capable of consolidating society can be truly national." There will obviously not be many national films – perhaps only one every 3-5 years. "But this film must definitely make Belarus known to the whole world," Alexander Lukashenko is convinced. At the same time, he noted that "the state cannot afford to squander public funds on dubious and failed film projects. Therefore, one of the main criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of filmmakers' work is ensuring the profitability of films. According to Alexander Lukashenko, the state can be a patron and sponsor, but funds will not be spent thoughtlessly, without guarantees. According to the President, the state will continue to support the creative intelligentsia. It is they who are the treasure trove of any state. "Without the creative intelligentsia, there can be no sovereign, independent state," said the Belarusian leader. At the same time, he noted that "dependency is unacceptable in the creative environment, otherwise we will ruin talents." Alexander Lukashenko demanded the eradication of all bureaucracy in the film production sphere. The job of filmmakers is to make films, not to engage in endless reports and approvals, wasting time on "paper-making." The Head of State instructed the government and the Ministry of Culture, jointly with the Presidential Administration, to immediately address this issue and take comprehensive measures to de-bureaucratize the film industry. In his opinion, the Ministry of Culture's proposal to create a National Film Institute should also be considered from this perspective. "Everything must be thoroughly thought out and weighed, so as not to lead to an expansion of management staff and not to create an unnecessary link in the bureaucratic chain that produces nothing, but merely redistributes state funds," the President emphasized. He demanded that the Ministry of Culture and the "Belarusfilm" studio should more actively engage in the development of joint film production with Russian and foreign partners. "We need to attract reputable, well-established foreign film companies for cooperation, and not scare them away with bureaucracy and excessively high prices for services," said Alexander Lukashenko. "The main thing is honesty, integrity, and long-term prospects." The Head of State believes that the regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee should pay the utmost attention to strengthening the material base of film and video distribution organizations. As reported by the Minister of Culture, Pavel Latushko, currently only 41 out of 132 domestic cinemas meet European standards. In this regard, it was noted at the meeting that priority tasks should be the modernization of equipment and the creation of conditions for the use of the latest film screening technologies. At the meeting with cultural figures, great attention was paid to the issue of personnel training. "One of the most pressing issues is personnel training. You are building the Faculty of Screen Arts almost on sand, without a modern material base," said the President. "But do not expect a shower of gold to fall on the Academy of Arts after our meeting. Many of your problems can be solved if you cooperate with the film studio, the video center and TV channels, the Institute of Journalism of Belarusian State University, which has its own TV studio. Start working." Touching upon the topic of the reconstruction of the "Belarusfilm" studio, the President instructed the government to deal with this issue. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the unacceptability of any clannishness, nepotism, favoritism, or division into insiders and outsiders in cinematography. "In Belarus, everyone can build a career according to their knowledge and abilities," he believes. "I do not want a situation to ever arise here, as in some of our neighboring countries, where it is impossible to get on stage or on screen without paying large sums to the right people. In Belarus, all conditions have been created for every citizen to realize their talent in their homeland," he said. "I want you to know: the state will always support all creative people who serve society with all the power of their talent. Whether it is a recognized master or a novice actor, director, or screenwriter."

The President once again stated that the state will spare no expense to duly reward the creators of a true masterpiece capable of capturing the hearts of viewers not only in Belarus but also abroad. The question is when and who will make such a film.

The Head of State noted that all interesting ideas and proposals voiced at the meeting will be carefully studied, systematized, and translated into specific instructions for their implementation.-0-

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